Ephesians 1:15-2:10

These small group studies of Ephesians contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, and applications. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.

Paul says, “for this reason.” For what reason?
What attitude does Paul show in verses 15-16? (Gratitude) Who is he grateful to? How to explain his thankfulness to God for their good deeds? What does this tell us about our merits?
Paul says that he made mention of them in his prayers. What did he mention them for?
What was he asking? Was this a request for something physical or spiritual? Do you normally see Paul focusing on the physical needs? Why do most of his prayers for believers focus on the spiritual?
In what three ways did Paul pray they would be enlightened? How would you put that in simple words?
Paul seems to shift topics in the middle of verse 19? Why does he shift and what does he shift to?
What attribute does he describe of Christ’s? The blank of Christ? (Supremacy.)
What does being seated at God’s right hand signify?
What does verse 23 mean?

Cross-References

Philemon 5, Colossians 1:3-4 – Paul is thanking God for others too.
Colossians 1:3, Philippians 1:3-4 – Paul thanks God in his prayers for them.
1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalms 24:10 – Verses on God’s glory.
Colossians 2:3, James 3:17-18 – The wisdom from God.
Ephesians 5:8 – You were once in darkness and now you are children of light.
1 Corinthians 2:10-14 – It is the Spirit who enlightens us.
Romans 8:24-25 – Hope that is seen is not hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?
Colossians 1:23 – The hope held out in the gospel. Our hope is in the gospel message.
Titus 2:13 – The blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior.
1 Timothy 6:12, 1 Peter 3:9, 1 Peter 5:10, Colossians 3:15 – All refer to different aspects of our calling.
Colossians 1:15-20 – The supremacy of Christ.

Chapter 2:1-10

Who was dead in their sins? Just the Ephesians?
What does it mean to be dead in your sins?
What is the course of this world?
Who is the prince of the power of the air?
How is he working now and who are the sons of disobedience?
Why were we “children” or “objects” of wrath?
Can you see this behavior in your previous life? How about now?
Explain the importance of the short phrase, “But God.”
What was his motivation for saving us?
What does it mean to be “made alive?”
How are we seated in the heavenly places with Christ?
If we are already made alive, have already been sealed with the Holy Spirit, and already possess eternal life, what does it mean “that in the ages to come He might show us” more? What does He halve left to show?
Does “that” in verse 8 refer to the grace of God or the faith? (Both.)
Explain the connection between verses 8-9 and 10 if good deeds cannot save us.

Cross References

John 3:3 – No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.
John 15:19 – We are not of the world anymore.
Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to the way of the world.
1 Cor 5:10 – We don’t have to leave the world, we just have to be not of the world.
Galatians 5 – Contrasting the flesh and the Spirit.
Titus 3:3 – Description of the old life.
1 Timothy 1:16 – Paul is an example of the exceeding riches of God’s grace.
Romans 3:24 – Justified freely by His grace.